Production Technician (Lead Hand)

Description

• Participate in tooling and process improvement trials like DOE, nonconformance investigations, RCAs, and CAPA implementation
• Assume role of Production Supervisor in the event of their absence, and perform other duties as needed
• Promote the Lean and TPM mindset, identifying and eliminating waste with regards to DOWNTIME and the Six Big Losses, with the goal of improving OEE
• Provides technical leadership as needed to shift personnel, to include line setup/operation, metrics definition/reporting, testing, troubleshooting, and training facilitation
• Collaborate with the Quality team to reduce scrap and defects/rejects, ensuring process checks are conducted on time, and strict compliance to QC measures
• Monitors production schedule, arranges necessary information for the line operators related to product changes, and must have the ability to troubleshoot and monitor all extrusion lines
• Responsible for the First Time Pass initiative, promoting our quality policies and ideal goal of zero defects.
• Responsible for participating in and promoting adherence to all the pillars of the 5S-TPM framework, including scheduling and executing AM practices like CIL, conducting 5S audits to sustain initiative, and driving continuous improvement projects.
• Monitor and increase, if possible, the amount of regrind used on the lines
• Facilitate safety training and complete all incident investigations and reporting as needed
• Operate an extrusion line, if necessary, in the absence of regular extrusion operator
• Motivates and assists employees in all aspects of the extrusion lines
• Ensure optimum utilization of manpower and equipment to dictate efficient workflow
• Must assist operators with color changes, roll changes, screen changes etc.
• Delegate responsibility and recognize, develop, train and utilize capabilities of all shift personnel
• Administer on the job training to new employees and provide continuous training as needed
• Participate in safety campaigns, and contribute to achieving safety KPIs
• Responsible for attendance, vacation schedules, training and other administrative tasks as needed
• Participate and act as a lead for the Extruder Operator Training Program
• Improve line performance by reducing small stops and speed loss, ensuring extruders are running at standard PVC/ASA parameters
• Promote and maintain a clean and safe work environment, conduct safety checks, report near misses, and identify hazards for corrective/preventive (CAPA) actions
• Improve line availability by continuously reducing setup times for changeovers (like die change, screen change, product change, and color change), leveraging SMED, VSM, and other lean tools to improve the changeover process
• Ensure downtime information recorded on the production report is accurate, validating downtime reason and duration
• Assigns duties to all shift members, and ensures production goals are met
• Strictly adhere to company health and safety procedures, ensuring compliance with all safety policies, PPE requirements, and Westlake’s Life Critical Rules

Requirements

• Knows how and where to use the extrusion equipment, proper safety devices, tooling and hand tools to produce efficiently high-quality vinyl siding and accessories
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Diploma or Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related field) required
• Must be able to do all set ups of product and tooling using proper procedures
• Must be able to work a 12-hour rotating continental shift
• Minimum of 3-5 years of manufacturing experience; preferably in extrusion
• Lean Manufacturing experience is required. Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification is an asset
• Strong communication skills. Self-directed and able to multi-task in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Knows and understands specifications and requirements i.e. gauge, cartons, profiles, packaging procedures, tooling etc.
• Knowledge and experience in material control, engineering, compounding, quality and maintenance
• Understanding manufacturing processes. Success in planning, executing and managing projects Excellent problem-solving skills. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate upwardly to top management and downward to a wide range of audiences

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance